Government shutdown hits air traffic controllers — no pay, all pressure

Air traffic controllers, among the many major government staff forced to work without pay in the ongoing government shutdown, are experiencing extraordinary tension. This already high-pressure profession is made even challenging by the uncertainty of delayed pays.

Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, cited that a shutdown that pushes air traffic controllers to work without a paycheck only increases the strain.


“They’re out there working right now with critical staffing — the lowest staffing we’ve had in decades of only 10,800, where there should be 14,633. And on top of that, they’re working with unreliable equipment,” Daniels cited. “Anything that adds to that stress and pressure absolutely puts them in a position to not be able to operate at their peak performance.”

Impact of Previous Shutdowns

During the previous shutdown, which continued for 35 days, some controllers even worked on second jobs to make ends meet. If the air traffic control system cannot safely handle all scheduled flights, the FAA may enforce restrictions, resulting in further delays and cancellations.

The burden on controllers has been elevated by cuts to the FAA previously this year under President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, making an already stressed system even more challenging. If the shutdown persists for many weeks, major workers may miss their initial paycheck, further compounding strain.

TSA agents are also among the major personnel needed to work without pay. During the 2019 shutdown, absenteeism increased following the staff's missed their first paychecks, resulting in delays and temporary shutdowns at multiple airport terminals.

Political Deadlock

As of Wednesday night, there is no end in sight for the shutdown. Lawmakers remain stalemated in the government funding bill, with the Senate adjourning without a solution.

The shutdown started on Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. after Democratic senators voted against a Republican proposal with an intention to extend funding for seven weeks, stating it should also include health care subsidy expansions.

Senators are set to return Friday, after the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, to vote again on the GOP measure. Senate Majority Leader John Thune mentioned:

“When you have critical mass, come and talk to me.”

Thune, a South Dakota Republican, suggested no negotiations were currently ongoing and seemed willing to let the funding bill remain in the Senate for many days.

FAQs:

Q1. Why are air traffic controllers strained?
They are made to work without pay in the government shutdown, elevating pressure in an already demanding profession.

Q2. How low is staffing at air traffic control?
Only 10,800 controllers are working, far below the advised 14,633.